WHEREAS it is the traditional national security policy of the United States to place great reliance in organized citizens' forces supporting regular armed forces of the minimum size consistent with national defense; and

WHEREAS the national security requires that reserve components of appropriate strength and maximum effectiveness exist throughout the Nation; and

WHEREAS it is essential that the trained citizens who have completed a period of service in the armed forces continue to be available to the Nation:

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and statutes, and as President of the United States and Commander in Chief of the armed forces, it is hereby ordered as follows:

1. The Secretary of Defense, and the head of each department in the National Military Establishment, shall proceed without delay, utilizing every practicable resource of the regular components of the armed forces, to organize all reserve component units, and to train such additional individuals now or hereafter members of the active reserve, as may be required for the national security; and to establish vigorous and progressive programs of appropriate instruction and training for all elements of the reserve components, including the National Guard.

2. The Secretary of Defense shall within 60 days after the date of this order submit to the President a report showing the action which has been taken by the National Military Establishment in respect hereof, and any proposed legislation or other measures deemed necessary or appropriate in the interest of the maximum effectiveness of the reserve components of the armed forces.

3. Every citizen is urged to do his utmost in aiding the development of effective reserve components of our armed forces, and every person who is a member of a reserve component of the armed forces or who is qualified to become one is urged to take an active part in building up the strong and highly trained reserve forces which are so vital to the defense of the United States.